Diving Into Oceans Data with the TNFD: New technologies and implications to support corporate reporting

The session was moderated by Tony Goldner and focused on how innovative data collection methods and metrics are revolutionizing the Blue Economy and informing corporate reporting in alignment with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework.

The ocean-realm covers 70% of the world surface and supports an economy, the Blue Economy, worth more than US$1.5 trillion per year. This makes it the seventh largest economy in the world. There is an abundance of ocean data available for decision-making including understanding risk, undertaking mitigation action, and imperatively, addressing impacts on nature and the opportunity to address them.  

TNFD has recognised the need to provide for the ocean realm, including oceans in its recommendations and, now expanding on the indicators presented to include metrics and measurements for ocean-based sectors.

Key outcomes of this webinar

• Innovative data collection techniques: We explored the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and microplastics monitoring, with practical examples from Keith Tuffley and Dr. Kat Bruce, who have both spent significant time on the ocean collecting critical data.  
• Data Aggregation and Accessibility: Kimberly Mathisen from HUB Ocean discussed the need for a unified approach to ocean data, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance data accessibility and decision-making.
• TNFD’s Work on Ocean Metrics: Laura Clavey and Cathrine Armour delved into the TNFD’s ongoing efforts to integrate ocean data into corporate reporting. This discussion highlighted the future direction of ocean metrics and their critical role in sustainability frameworks.

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